Austin Cook won the 2017 RSM Classic in his fourth start as a rookie. From driver to putter see what he carries in his bag.
Equipment
What's In My Bag: Austin Cook
May 21, 2018
WHAT'S IN MY BAG: AUSTIN COOK
AGE: 27
LIVES: Jonesboro, Ark.
STORY: Won the 2017 RSM Classic in his fourth start as a rookie.
MONDAY MAGIC: After I graduated from Arkansas, I wasn't sure whether to pursue medical school or golf. I tried Monday-qualifying, and I had six top-25s in 10 starts as a non-member. That told me I could do it.FAMILY TIES: My grandpa, John Cook, was a club pro and played in nearly 100 PGA Tour events. He played the final round of the 1965 Memphis Open with Jack Nicklaus. I know he'd be proud of me making it on tour. — With Stephen Hennessey
LIVES: Jonesboro, Ark.
STORY: Won the 2017 RSM Classic in his fourth start as a rookie.
MONDAY MAGIC: After I graduated from Arkansas, I wasn't sure whether to pursue medical school or golf. I tried Monday-qualifying, and I had six top-25s in 10 starts as a non-member. That told me I could do it.FAMILY TIES: My grandpa, John Cook, was a club pro and played in nearly 100 PGA Tour events. He played the final round of the 1965 Memphis Open with Jack Nicklaus. I know he'd be proud of me making it on tour. — With Stephen Hennessey
Photo By: Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images
Photo By: Shane McCauley
DRIVER
SPECS: Ping G400 LST, 8.5˚(adjusted to 9.2˚), 45.25 inches, Fujikura Speeder Evolution 661 Tour shaft, X-flex, tipped half an inch, D-3 swingweightMy ball flight is higher than others. The G400 LST reduces spin for more carry.
SPECS: Ping G400 LST, 8.5˚(adjusted to 9.2˚), 45.25 inches, Fujikura Speeder Evolution 661 Tour shaft, X-flex, tipped half an inch, D-3 swingweightMy ball flight is higher than others. The G400 LST reduces spin for more carry.
Photo By: Shane McCauley
FAIRWAY WOOD
SPECS: Ping G400 Stretch, 13˚, 43 inches, tipped one inch, Fujikura Motore VC 7.0 shaftI hit it high to begin with, so I don't need help launching it. My 3-wood goes plenty far, but it's still easy to stop on the green.
SPECS: Ping G400 Stretch, 13˚, 43 inches, tipped one inch, Fujikura Motore VC 7.0 shaftI hit it high to begin with, so I don't need help launching it. My 3-wood goes plenty far, but it's still easy to stop on the green.
Photo By: Shane McCauley
HYBRIDS
SPECS: Ping G400, 19˚and 22˚, Matrix Ozik Altus Tour, X-flexHalfway through last season, I realized I needed a better solution from 200 to 220 yards. This 22-degree hybrid lets me hit it higher and softer than I could with a 4-iron.
SPECS: Ping G400, 19˚and 22˚, Matrix Ozik Altus Tour, X-flexHalfway through last season, I realized I needed a better solution from 200 to 220 yards. This 22-degree hybrid lets me hit it higher and softer than I could with a 4-iron.
Photo By: Shane McCauley
IRONS
SPECS: Ping S55 (5-iron through pitching wedge), KBS Tour 100 shafts, S-flex, Golf Pride Tour Velvet 58 round gripsIron play has always been one of my strengths. When I won at Sea Island, I missed only 12 greens all week.
SPECS: Ping S55 (5-iron through pitching wedge), KBS Tour 100 shafts, S-flex, Golf Pride Tour Velvet 58 round gripsIron play has always been one of my strengths. When I won at Sea Island, I missed only 12 greens all week.
Photo By: Shane McCauley
WEDGES
SPECS: Ping Glide 2.0 Stealth wedges (50˚, 56˚ and 60˚), Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shaftsThe extra groove lower on the face helps create spin, even if you hit it thin.
SPECS: Ping Glide 2.0 Stealth wedges (50˚, 56˚ and 60˚), Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shaftsThe extra groove lower on the face helps create spin, even if you hit it thin.
Photo By: Shane McCauley
PUTTER
SPECS: Ping Sigma G Tyne, 33 inches, bent 2 degrees upright, SuperStroke 2.0 red gripI've always preferred the heavier, solid feel of a mallet. It helps me on longer putts especially.
SPECS: Ping Sigma G Tyne, 33 inches, bent 2 degrees upright, SuperStroke 2.0 red gripI've always preferred the heavier, solid feel of a mallet. It helps me on longer putts especially.
Photo By: Shane McCauley
SMALL REMINDERS
I mark my Titleist Pro V1 with a red line, hoping it will inspire me to shoot red numbers.
I mark my Titleist Pro V1 with a red line, hoping it will inspire me to shoot red numbers.
Photo By: Shane McCauley
My alignment-rod cover is a nod to my alma mater.
Photo By: Shane McCauley
SPECIAL MARKER
I got this the week I won. It says: "gratitude" on one side, "dependence" on the other.
I got this the week I won. It says: "gratitude" on one side, "dependence" on the other.
Photo By: Shane McCauley
FEEL-GOOD MUSIC
I keep practice rounds light. I just want to see the course. I'll listen to chill tunes like Chris Stapleton (shown) on my Bluetooth speaker.
I keep practice rounds light. I just want to see the course. I'll listen to chill tunes like Chris Stapleton (shown) on my Bluetooth speaker.
Photo By: Chris Polk/ACMA2017/Getty Images for ACM
TRAVEL BUDDIES
My wife, Crys, travels with me. We enjoy hanging with other tour couples. She's friends with wives of pros who came from the Web.com Tour.
My wife, Crys, travels with me. We enjoy hanging with other tour couples. She's friends with wives of pros who came from the Web.com Tour.
Photo By: Courtesy Of Austin Cook